The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is an intricate collection of hormone-producing glands scattered throughout the body. As an interrelated group, these glands influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies, helping to control mood, metabolism, growth, tissue function, and sexual development.

Some glands have both endocrine and non-endocrine regions. For example, the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes as well as hormones. Some organs (such as the stomach, intestines, and heart) produce hormones even though their primary function is not hormone secretion.

Function: Help control metabolism, kidney function, blood pressure, cardiovascular function, the body's response to stress, the immune system, and sexual development and function. Help balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy.

Ovaries—Induce female sexual characteristics such as breast growth, the accumulation of body fat around the hips and thighs, and the growth spurt that occurs during puberty. Both estrogen and progesterone are also involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Testes—Induce male sexual characteristics such as maturation of the penis, deepening of the voice, development of muscles, increase in facial and body hair and the growth spurt that occurs during puberty. They also regulate sex drive and are involved in production of sperm cells.

Hypothalamus

Location: Lower central part of the brain

Hormones produced: Releasing hormones for the pituitary gland

Function: Stimulates or suppresses the release of hormones in the pituitary gland to control water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite and blood pressure. Serves as the primary link between the endocrine and nervous systems.

Function: Controls the activity of many other endocrine glands (thyroid, ovaries, adrenal). Helps with functions such as the growth of long bones, muscles, and viscera; body water balance; utilization of nutrients and minerals; sensitivity to pain. In females, it helps stimulate egg production, prepares the uterus for pregnancy, triggers contractions that occur during labor, activates milk production for breastfeeding. In men, it helps to stimulates sperm production.

Function: Helps to regulate metabolism (including weight control and energy levels), the body's calcium balance, muscle strength, emotions, the ability to tolerate heat or cold, and the development of the brain and nervous system in children